Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

This air fryer teriyaki chicken recipe is an easy and foolproof method for making mouthwatering teriyaki chicken that never disappoints! The finished dish features chicken thighs that are tender and juicy on the inside, crisp on the outside, and coated in a rich, sweet, and savory teriyaki glaze that tastes just as good as what you would order at a restaurant.

air fryer teriyaki chicken topped with sesame seeds in a pan
If you’re looking for a quick, hassle-free way to enjoy flavorful teriyaki chicken, this air fryer recipe is exactly what you need! It uses succulent chicken thighs paired with a homemade teriyaki sauce that’s surprisingly simple to whip up.

Ever since I bought an air fryer, it has become one of my go-to kitchen appliances for cooking chicken because it always comes out perfectly crisp outside while staying moist and tender inside. That’s why I decided to share my favorite method for preparing teriyaki chicken in the air fryer. It’s easy, reliable, and produces absolutely delicious results every time!

And if you’re curious about more air fryer chicken recipes, you should also try my air fryer Cajun wings or my air fryer chicken breast recipe. Both are family favorites, quick to prepare, and just as satisfying.

ingredients for air fryer teriyaki chicken spread out on a table

AIR FRYER TERIYAKI CHICKEN INGREDIENTS

Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this dish:

Chicken thighs: Boneless, skin-on chicken thighs work best for authentic teriyaki chicken. The skin crisps up beautifully while the meat stays moist and flavorful. If you’d rather use chicken breast, you can, but take care not to overcook it.
Low-sodium soy sauce: Essential for the teriyaki glaze, either low-sodium soy sauce or Japanese soy sauce diluted with water works. Using full-strength soy sauce alone can make the sauce overly salty and overpowering. I usually stick to Kikkoman’s low-sodium soy sauce for a lighter, more balanced flavor.
Mirin: A sweet Japanese cooking wine available in Asian grocery stores or online. It’s versatile and comes in handy for many other Asian recipes.
Sake: A traditional part of teriyaki sauce that enhances flavor. Skip it only if you cannot use alcohol in cooking.
Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and depth. You can swap with honey or white sugar depending on what you have or prefer. I often use either honey or brown sugar.

HOW TO MAKE AIR FRYER TERIYAKI CHICKEN

Season the chicken thighs. Pat them dry, then season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

chicken thighs seasoned with salt and pepper on a plate
Air fry the chicken. Arrange the chicken thighs in a preheated air fryer, then cook at 390°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes until golden and crispy.

seasoned chicken thighs in air fryer basket
Make the teriyaki sauce. While the chicken cooks, place all sauce ingredients into a pan. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it reduce until it thickens to your preference.

teriyaki sauce simmering in a pan
Coat the chicken. Once the chicken is cooked, toss the pieces in the thickened teriyaki sauce until fully coated.

air fried chicken in teriyaki sauce in a pan
Serve and garnish. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top, then pair with your favorite side dishes. Enjoy immediately!

air fryer teriyaki chicken garnished with sesame seeds in a pan

TIPS & NOTES

Always use low-sodium soy sauce or dilute regular soy sauce with water to avoid an overly salty glaze. A bottle of low-sodium soy sauce is a pantry staple for balanced sauces like teriyaki chicken or Mongolian chicken.
Place chicken thighs skin-side up in the basket without flipping for the crispiest texture.
Keep the heat on low to medium-low when thickening the teriyaki sauce since it burns easily if overheated. Covering the pan partially with a lid helps it reduce faster.
If your sauce doesn’t thicken, stir in a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water). If it gets too thick, thin it with a splash of water.

VARIATIONS

Ginger: Add minced or grated ginger to the sauce for extra depth.
Garlic: Stir in fresh garlic for another layer of flavor.
Chili: Spice lovers can mix in chili flakes or chopped fresh chili for a kick. While not traditional, it’s a delicious twist!

HOW TO SERVE AIR FRYER TERIYAKI CHICKEN

With rice: Short-grain white rice is the classic choice, but any type of rice works.
With salad: Pair with a light side salad dressed with Japanese sesame dressing for a refreshing balance.
With vegetables: Air fry, steam, or sauté vegetables like broccoli and bell peppers for a nutritious side.
With miso soup: A simple miso soup rounds out the meal perfectly and is easy to make at home.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is this teriyaki chicken authentic?
Yes, it uses traditional ingredients for teriyaki sauce. The only difference is that the chicken is cooked in an air fryer instead of on the stovetop.

Where can I find Japanese ingredients?
All the ingredients are available at Asian grocery stores or online, as they’re commonly used in Japanese cooking.

Can I use bottled teriyaki sauce?
Yes, if you want a quicker version or don’t want to buy extra ingredients, store-bought teriyaki sauce works fine. I just prefer homemade because you can adjust flavors exactly to your liking.

How do I thicken the sauce?
It thickens naturally while simmering, but if it doesn’t, add a cornstarch slurry. More details are included in the recipe notes.

Can I make the sauce without a stovetop?
Yes! For small portions, mix the ingredients in a bowl and microwave until it thickens.

How should I store leftovers?
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3–4 days.

This air fryer teriyaki chicken is quick, simple, and packed with flavor! Juicy chicken thighs are cooked to crispy perfection, then coated in a rich, sweet and savory homemade teriyaki glaze. It’s just as good as takeoutready in only 20 minutes!

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Japanese
Keyword: air fryer teriyaki chicken, teriyaki chicken recipe, teriyaki chicken thighs
Servings: 4
Calories: 336 kcal

Ingredients

4 boneless chicken thighs
Salt and pepper, to taste
3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
3 tbsp mirin
3 tbsp sake
3 tbsp brown sugar or honey

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
Season chicken thighs on both sides with salt and pepper.
Place in the air fryer basket and cook 15–20 minutes, until golden and crispy.
While chicken cooks, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar (or honey) in a pan. Simmer gently, stirring often, until the sauce thickens.
Once chicken is done, toss it in the teriyaki sauce until fully coated.
Slice or cube if desired, then serve with rice or your favorite sides.

Notes

Use low-sodium soy sauce or dilute regular soy sauce with water to avoid an overly salty sauce.
If the sauce doesn’t thicken, add a cornstarch slurry (equal parts water and cornstarch), then simmer until thickened.
Keep the heat low and partially cover the pan while simmering for faster results.